Best of 2017

Well, 2017: It's been real. 

It's been real exciting, real gratifying, real fuckin' scary at times, and overall, real inspiring. It's been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, but I'd venture to say that every year has been that way and overall the lows make the highs so much sweeter. 

On January 1st 2017, I publicly announced the start of my company Charla Tedrick. I had no idea what the year would bring, but was full of ambition, hope and solid drive. The year hasn't been perfect at every turn, but it's been the perfect mix of all the things to keep me going, hungrier than ever, and more inspired than I've ever been in all my years of designing products. 

Thought it an appropriate time to take a stroll down ol' Mem Lane and reconnect with some of the year's best moments. Because to clearly define where you're trying to go, ya gotta take a real honest and appreciating look at where you've been.

1. Publicly announcing the start of my new company Charla Tedrick.

Might sound like nbd, but after quietly and namelessly working under big names for so many years, this will forever remain one of the biggest moments of my career, no matter where things go from here. 

2. Launching my first collection under Charla Tedrick; The "Blush" Bridal Collection.

...A 10 piece collection sold exclusively through Charla Tedrick and Ashbury Skies.  

3. Having our wedding and my brand featured in Rock N' Roll Bride! 

With so many incredible weddings out there, it was super special to see ours featured on Rocknrollbride.com. Having the opportunity to share about my bridal collection was a bitchin' bonus! 

4. Attending my first tradeshow at Transit LA 

Talk about nerves. I think I've never been so nervous in my entire life on this earth. But guess what!? I didn't die! I didn't combust, I didn't melt into the floor, and I wasn't boo'd or laughed out of the building. In fact, my booth was badass. I learned a ton from the experience and wrote some orders. Mission: accomplished. (And never again will I have to experience my first tradeshow ever, thank FUCKING God).

5. Seeing New Years Day front (wo)man Ash Costello sporting my past design work on the red carpet at the Alternative Press Music Awards 

Always a good day when you see a beautiful rock n' roller in the public eye wearing something you schemed up one day in your brain. 

6. Launching my Fall 18' rock n' roll collection and stocking retailers in 5 countries. 

It's been incredible to see my shoes, with MY name on them, leaving my warehouse and finding new homes in countries all over the world. It's surreal, really. And I don't take a single outgoing box for granted. 

7. Seeing tattoo megababe Cervena Fox rockin' my "Sheena Platforms".

I was completely stoked to have this beauty reach out with interest in my brand. Not only is she absolutely gorg, but she's the sweetest ever. And I'd be lying if I said Charla Tedrick wasn't designed specifically with the Cervena Fox's of the world in mind (because they kinddddddda are!)

8. Getting reviewed by YouTube celebrity personality Graveyard Girl. 

Ya gotta love Bunny and her impeccable sense of style. She definitely has her finger on everything that's up and coming, and I was totally honored to be included in a few of her product reviews this year. 

9. Being featured in Alternative Press magazine's "What It Takes" feature. 

As a long time reader of Alternative Press, it was an incredible experience to be able to share my story with AP for their "What It Takes" feature. If you missed it, check it out here! 

10. Exhibiting at the London Edge tradeshow. 

We couldn't have been happier with the experience we had. Being first time London travelers was a bonus, bringin' along the hot fox husband definitely didn't suck, partaking in the runway show was a total honor and shimmying outta there with the "Best New Brand" award was icing on the cake. 

All in all, I'd say it was a pretty radical fucking year. There were highs and lows, for sure, but I've learned enough in my years to know that nothing worth acquiring comes easy. And if you give me a challenge, I'm gonna do everything in my power to smash it to bits. So here's to you, 2017; It was a thin slice of heaven. 

2018 -- I'm coming for you. 

...Sending so much love & rock n' roll,